Chicago Children’s Theatre extends The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party

 

Chicago Children’s Theatre extends The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party

CHICAGO -- Chicago Children’s Theatre is extending The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party due to popular demand.

Originally set to close on December 24, CCT’s seasonal rite of passage for countless Chicago toddlers will now run through December 31, with six newly added performances: Thursday through Sunday, December 27-31, at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 am.

Join the tradition, dress in your holiday finest, and bring the whole family to celebrate the season at Chicago Children’s Theatre’s puppet-show-plus-after-party. Or, bring the neighborhood playgroup and just come as you are.

Tickets also make wonderful gifts. Because it’s not the holiday until your favorite toddler has experienced The Beatrix Holiday Tea Party. 

This year, The Tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse, The Tale of Two Bad Mice, The Tailor of Gloucester, and of course, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, are jumping from the page to the stage.

Three charming storytellers - Lily Emerson, Charlie Malave and Felix Mayes - unlock vintage trunks, then pull levers and turn cranks to reveal favorite animal adventures from the books, toy theater style. While Lily and Felix interweave Beatrix Potter’s classic narration and interactive moments with kids, Charlie is a veritable one-man-band playing gentle, original music on guitar, cello, toy piano and banjo.

After the show, families gather in CCT’s lobby to meet the puppets, take selfies with the cast, and sit together at long, communal tables to enjoy cookies by Eli’s Cheesecake, juice, and the chance to celebrate the holidays with other families from all over the city.

Performances are Saturdays and Sundays at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., with added holiday week performances Thursday and Friday, December 21 and 22 and December 28 and 29 at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. The show runs 60 minutes, followed by the tea party. Recommended for ages up to 8.

Tickets start at $45.25, including fees, and are on sale now at chicagochildrenstheatre.org. Mark your calendar and purchase early, because many performances will sell out.

Call CCT Guest Services, (312) 374-8835, or email boxoffice@chicagochildrenstheatre.org to learn about weekday morning matinees and discounted rates for schools, playgroups, birthday parties and scouting groups.

Chicago Children’s Theatre is a “no shushing” theater. It is centrally located in the former 12th District Chicago Police Station, now home to the city’s largest professional theater devoted to children and young families. It’s minutes from I-90 and I-290, as well as downtown and Ashland Avenue. Free, onsite parking is available on the south side of the theater. Free street parking can be found nearby on weekends, or try the Impark parking lot, 1301 W. Madison St.

Coming soon to Chicago Children’s Theatre

A Year with Frog and Toad

Book and lyrics by Robert Reale and Willie Reale

Based on the books by Arnold Lobel

Directed by Michelle Lopez-Rios

Music Direction and Musical Reductions by Christie Chilles Twillie

Designers include Micah Figueroa (choreographer and associate director), Courtney O'Neill (set), Rachel Healy (costumes), Christie Chilles Twillie (sound) and Lonnae Hickman (props)

April 13-June 9, 2024

Press opening: Saturday and Sunday, April 13 and 14 at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Public performances: Saturdays and Sundays at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

For all ages

Chicago Children’s Theatre’s 19th season finale is a celebration of the joyful energy that launched the company, A Year with Frog and Toad. Children’s author and illustrator Arnold Lobel's beloved characters hop from the page to the stage in this Tony-nominated musical based on his popular children’s book that follows two best friends – the cheerful, popular Frog and the rather grumpy Toad – through four fun-filled seasons.

Michelle Lopez-Rios, who staged CCT’s 2022 world premiere Carmela Full of Wishes, returns to direct a new take on this beloved tale of friendship that endures, weathering all seasons. Cast is TBA. The design team includes Micah Figueroa (choreographer and associate director), Courtney O'Neill (set), Rachel Healy (costumes), Christie Chilles Twillie (sound) and Lonnae Hickman (props).

For more, visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org, follow the company on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to its YouTube channel, CCTv: Virtual Theatre and Learning from Chicago Children’s Theatre.

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